Okoye names Dida as his goalkeeping hero

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has named Brazil's Dida as his idol. He said the former AC Milan star was the goalkeeping legend he admired when he was younger, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

When asked on Snapchat about the goalkeeping legend he looked up to as a kid, the Udinese goalkeeper answered simply, "Dida."

Dida played for AC Milan for ten years. He won the Champions League twice and also played for Brazil's national team. This makes him a perfect hero for a young keeper like Okoye, who would later also play in Italy.

This news comes at a tricky time for Okoye. He did not join Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar. He missed all training sessions from Tuesday to Thursday and arrived in Akwa Ibom on Friday morning, just hours before the match started.

Photos appeared on Wednesday showing him in Italy with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week. He wore Udinese’s new third kit in the pictures. This is the second time he has been seen with the rapper, as he also met her at Paris Fashion Week in August.

Some people were not happy with his actions so close to an important game. Journalist Samuel Areo and TV personality Buchi Onakola were among those who criticized him. A fan named Leye Mabeoruoraye called on the Nigeria Football Federation to look into what he sees as a pattern of players arriving late.

Coach Eric Chelle spoke at a press conference on Thursday. He said Udinese had asked for permission for Okoye to take part in the commercial event.

Since Okoye could not train, Chelle gave the goalkeeping spot to Stanley Nwabali. Nwabali did well, making a key one-on-one save as Nigeria came back to win 2-1 in Uyo. Arthur Okonkwo was named as the backup goalkeeper.

Okoye is now back in full training. He is preparing for Nigeria’s next Group L match against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. Chelle will have to decide who will start in goal.